One Arizona candidate 'bi'-ing votes

How about if we wrap up the week's news by putting aside the triumphs of the human spirit: the remarkable landing of our rover on Mars, the inspiring strength of the Sikh community in Wisconsin, the moving stories highlighting some of the Olympic athletes in London.

Let us turn the page on those in order to microscopically examine the dignity that has come to the congressional campaign in Arizona's newly-redrawn sixth district.

The geographic change has put two Republican incumbents in the position of battling one another in the primary: Rep. David Schweikert versus Rep. Ben Quayle.

The only interest I have in this race is, if one of them is sent back to Washington, that he represents Arizona well. That nonpartisan position having been stated, I must agree with retiring Sen. John Kyl, who calls a current Schweikert ad "an example of the worst in American politics."

It's a mailer that says on one side, "Ben Quayle. He goes both ways." On the flip side it continues "on important conservative issues." The Schweikert camp seemed shocked when some of us interpreted that to suggest they were saying Quayle is bisexual.

Schweikert advisers, don't insult the voters.

If you didn't believe that "goes both ways" might be read as a sexual reference, then you're too stupid to run a campaign.

About the Author

Pat McMahon
He's done it all -- and keeps doing it. His
career in
local Arizona radio and television dates back
the late
60s. Pat always stimulates with his thought
provoking,
opinionated, and entertaining commentaries on
the Arizona
Morning News while hosting award-winning
talkshows like
"The McMahon Group" and "The God Show."

"The McMahon Group" features an unpredictable all-star panel where three people from the community
get together
and give their thoughts on the news of the
week. He also
hosts "The God Show" on Sunday's where he talks
about all
aspects of spirituality.

Pat is also well known outside of radio
because of his
multifaceted career as an actor, producer,
recording
artist, writer, broadcaster, and one-third of
the
legendary comedy team that was on TV for 35
years in
Arizona, "The Wallace and Ladmo Show."

Through the many experiences of his
professional life, Pat
has been richly rewarded with 7 Emmys, major
national and
international radio awards as well as
numerous civic,
educational, religious and humanitarian
awards. Pat was
also a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate
from Ottawa
University, the Arizona Broadcasters Lifetime
achievement
Award, and has his bronze likeness hanging in
the rotunda
of the Herberger Theater in recognition of
his
contributions to Communications & The Arts.